LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL

By Pastor Mensa Otabil

Monday 6th July 2026

EMBRACE YOUR ASSIGNMENT

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-12

Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Jeremiah 1:6–7

Jeremiah was young and inexperienced when God called him. God called him to go and speak to the people of Judah and Israel, who were about to face a serious national crisis. They were about to be taken into captivity, and God sent him to go and warn the leaders to amend their ways. Jeremiah felt very inadequate because the task given him was very awesome.

Usually, when the Lord calls people to do His work, the people develop a sense of deep inadequacy. More often than not, the person feels totally incapable and unqualified for the task assigned to them by God.

Jeremiah made two excuses to God:

- I cannot speak.

Jeremiah knew the awful wickedness of the people and the society in which he lived, as well as his own inadequacies and inexperience as a young man. He knew that a prophet must have the ability to speak publicly to preach God's Word. Thus, it was only natural for him to shrink back from the awesome task of reaching the nations for the Lord.

- I am a youth.

Jeremiah was probably in his 20s when the Lord called him. He was of the priestly line. At the time of his calling, he had started serving as a priest, yet he felt like a child called to do an adult's work.

The Lord did not accept Jeremiah's excuses. He affirmed His calling to the young man and charged him to perform the assignment. When God calls us to do His work, He overrules our doubts and uses us despite our hesitations.

The same God who called and used Jeremiah has called us and will use us for His glory. Has God given you an assignment? Step out and do it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I receive your assignment for my life. By your grace, I will perform the task you have given me. In Jesus' name, Amen.